The Canterbury Inn Apartments are housed on the second story of the historic Jacobson Building above Avol's Books at Canterbury, a mere 40 feet off lively State Street. The apartments are fully furnished with the finest amenities. Rentals are by the year, the semester, or the month.

Chaucer's Canterbury Tales provides the main theme for the apartments. Each features an exquisite mural painted by Madison artist Nancy Lee, depicting episodes from the travelers' tales six centuries ago.

Where else can a booklover slumber beneath scenes of Chaucer's raucous tales, then peruse a favorite novel while soaking in a whirlpool — Mozart wafting softly on the air. The built-in bookshelves and elaborate hand-painted detail in every apartment reflect the attentive Old World motif found here.

The promenade overlooking Avol's bookstore atrium is but a few steps away from the inviting bookstore below, as well as restaurants, theaters, galleries, parks, jogging paths, festivals, and architectural points of interest.

Articles lauding the former Canterbury Inn have appeared in The New York Times Travel Section, Forbes, Money Magazine, Travel, Mirabella, Elle, American Way, InBusiness, Chicago Magazine and Midwest Living, among others.

Features

Rooms decorated in a warm palette of gold, burgundy and forest green

Hand-painted detail throughout

Elegantly furnished

Large desk and comfortable reading area in the four largest apartments

Exquisitely tiled private baths

Whirlpool tubs in the four largest apartments

Built-in bookcases

Luxurious amenities (bed linens, towels, dishes, glasses) included

All utilities, including cable TV, DSL internet and wireless access, included in the rental price

A locked inn (for your security, a security code on a keypad is required for entry to the building and a key is required for entry to the elevator, common areas, and apartments)

In-house manager during regular business hours and reliable maintenance company on call

Wheelchair accessible

Location and Attractions

As the apartments are located just off State Street in downtown Madison, apartment dwellers are in the heart of all that makes Madison exciting and memorable. At one end of State Street you will find the University of Wisconsin's historic Bascom Hill and Library Mall with its food vendors, street performers and students. At the other end of State Street is Wisconsin's breathtaking State Capitol surrounded by colorful gardens. State Street itself is lined with art galleries, boutiques, bookstores, restaurants and cafes. The Canterbury Inn Apartments are also situated close to the Monona Terrace Convention Center, the Kohl Athletic Center, and the new Overture Center for the Arts.

Parking

There is no parking on the premises but the State Street/ Capitol Ramp is located 1/2 blocks from The Canterbury Inn Apartments. In addition, parking arrangements can be made privately with nearby locations. (Read More)

Our Building

The 1924 Jacobson Building, a grand and impressive structure, had, over the years, lost much of its beauty. A car dealership in its original incarnation, the building was purchased and restored in 1991 by the Canterbury owners earning recognition by the Madison Trust and the Wisconsin Trust for Historic Preservation and receiving a 1992 Capital Community Citizens Orchid award.

Today the arched interior doorways once again gracefully echo the arched windows of the exterior. The medley of muted fall colors throughout reflects the spirit of coziness and warmth visitors will find here.